From Legal Expert to AI Innovator: Charting a New Course with Data Science & AI

With a background in law and itchy feet, Akshita Poreema’s journey into data science was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the complexities of living away from home.

Along with many people, the COVID pandemic changed Akshita’s plans and her mindset.

After experiencing the Auckland lockdowns, Akshita was inspired to arm herself with skills that allowed for flexibility and the ability to work remotely.

After some research and soul searching, Akshita found her way back to tech, deciding on the Institute of Data’s Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Program.

We caught up with Akshita recently, keen to hear about her experience with data science and if she had any words of advice for those considering a career in this ever-expanding arena.

1. Akshita, please tell me a bit about yourself.

I’m originally from Mauritius. I came to New Zealand in 2017 for my tertiary education.

After school, I completed my law degree and was admitted to the bar after my professional studies.

Although my long-term plan was to become a lawyer and return to Mauritius as a practising barrister, after my studies and working here, I fell in love with New Zealand and decided to stay on.

2. How did you first become interested in technology and Data Science?

Well, In high school, my favourite subject was computer science.

[su_quote]Everything computer-related always felt like a game. It never felt like work to me.[/su_quote]

Through my exposure to games as a kid and programming at school, I found I enjoyed problem-solving and working things out on my own.

[su_quote]I’ve always liked that aspect of technology, randomly trying things out, trying to figure out shortcuts and cheat codes.[/su_quote]

I still game now and I’ve always loved that aspect of technology.

Regarding how I became interested in Data Science, after a couple of years of experience as an in-house lawyer, I started thinking about getting into tech, but I didn’t want to waste all the (law) training I’d undergone to get to that point.

[su_quote]I wanted to use my legal experience and combine it with something that I loved.[/su_quote]

So, I started by looking into fintech (financial technology) and opportunities in finance-related technology.

This research led me to legal tech.

At that point, I was two years into the pandemic, and I was really over all the COVID-related stuff.

That’s when I started looking at how I could upskill.

I wanted to do something concrete and move out of stagnation.

I decided to return to what I used to love: tech. I researched different courses, but the ones I discovered were either poorly structured or didn’t offer a certification.

At the time, I was deciding between data science and cyber security.

For me, because of my experience with the lockdowns, it was important to have the ability to work remotely if needed, and data science was top of the list in that regard.

The inclusion of the AI component in the Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI Program really appealed to me.

3. Why did you choose the Institute of Data over other institutions?

I looked at other providers, like the traditional university degrees, but they would have taken much longer.

The cost was also a major factor when I compared the program to other providers, and the Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI Program was much more cost-effective.

I also like the boot camp-style learning aimed at working professionals and those new to data science.

I found the program intense but highly rewarding.

[su_quote] At times, working and studying simultaneously was challenging, but I knew I had to work towards achieving the work-life balance I wanted.[/su_quote]

Completing the program and embracing challenges in my job taught me that I like jumping into new projects and learning new things.

Also, I didn’t realise much could be done with data analysis.

Data science opened a whole new world to me.

[su_quote]What I also realised was that when it comes to anything tech-related—data science, AI, and using ChatGPT—it still feels like a game to me. Computers are a kind of safe space for me. [/su_quote]

4. Were any of the program’s resources particularly valuable to you?

The assistant trainers were really helpful in navigating the whole process.

They supported us whenever we had doubts or needed help to complete our ideas.

[su_quote]Our tutor was also very good. He made classes fun. He made a huge effort to connect with us and provide job support.[/su_quote]

My experience with the Job Support Program was also positive.

[su_quote]When I was contacted about my current position, the Institute of Data’s job support team helped me through the whole recruitment process.[/su_quote]

I’m very grateful, and it was definitely the best decision.

5. That is great to hear! Can you tell us about your current role?

I’m a Compliance Analyst at a wealth management firm.

Data science helps me handle, manipulate and clean data faster.

I’m currently moving towards more IT-related compliance tasks.

For example, I’m currently working on an artificial intelligence (AI) policy and safety measures around platforms like ChatGPT.

The Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI Program has helped me confidently undertake that kind of work.

I decided, on an impulse, to join the Data Science Program, which was quite a shift in approach for me because I like to plan everything out.

[su_quote]I’m really glad I did take the leap, though, because by taking concrete action towards my dreams, I manifested a direction, and a path opened up for me.[/su_quote]

6. That’s awesome. What do you enjoy the most about working in the Data Science & AI industry?

I like the data science industry in terms of what it’s not.

The legal industry is very hierarchical and rules-based.

The tech space feels way more relaxed.

7. What guidance would you give someone applying for jobs after graduating?

It took me years to learn that we must be patient to see results.

We have to be able to control our fear and learn to take calculated risks if we’re in a position to do so.

That’s how I like to embrace it.

Conclusion

If you’d like to learn more about our Data Science & AI Programs, book a career consultation with one of our experts at the Institute of Data and start your journey with an actionable plan.

You can connect with Akshita and follow her professional journey on LinkedIn.